"Downgrading" from 64 bit to 32 bit.

[Guest]

I just purchased a new CPU/Motherboard along with a full (OEM) version of
Vista Home Premium 64 bit. I bought the 64 bit version without really
thinking. The CPU is 64 bit, so I figured I'd buy the 64 bit version of
Vista. What a mistake that was! Very few of the drivers that came with the
motherboard work, even though the motherboard is "certified" for Vista.
Printer drivers that I used before failed. Web cam no longer works, and on
and on. Even Microsoft's own LiveCare for security won't install (No
mention of only working on 32 bit version on the box).

So, my question is this. Can I use use the license that I purchased for the
64 bit version to license a 32 bit version? I realize that I wound need to
do a complete fresh install. Can I download a 32 bit version
somewhere? Or am I basically out a couple of hundred bucks on a useless
operating system?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The OEM versions of Vista are sold as either 32 or 64 bit licenses.
You would need to purchase the 32-bit license version.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Client

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

|I just purchased a new CPU/Motherboard along with a full (OEM) version of
| Vista Home Premium 64 bit. I bought the 64 bit version without really
| thinking. The CPU is 64 bit, so I figured I'd buy the 64 bit version of
| Vista. What a mistake that was! Very few of the drivers that came with the
| motherboard work, even though the motherboard is "certified" for Vista.
| Printer drivers that I used before failed. Web cam no longer works, and on
| and on. Even Microsoft's own LiveCare for security won't install (No
| mention of only working on 32 bit version on the box).
|
| So, my question is this. Can I use use the license that I purchased for the
| 64 bit version to license a 32 bit version? I realize that I wound need to
| do a complete fresh install. Can I download a 32 bit version
| somewhere? Or am I basically out a couple of hundred bucks on a useless
| operating system?

 

[Guest]

So I'm out the $200 that I paid for the OS? Does MS have an address that I
could send the DVD to for an exchange?

 

[John Barnes]

The outlet you purchased it from would probably have no more problem
resolving this exchange than the direct system builders have had. If they
are too lazy or uninterested in helping you, you can try contacting the
Microsoft refund desk directly. Microsoft does bend over backwards to
cooperate with those who are playing by the rules.

 

[greg.garner]

When I purchased my upgrade CD for Vista Ultimate, it came with a
flier that asked if I needed 32 bit vs 64 bit etc. It said you can get
info on ordering media from:

http://www.windowsvista.com/1033/ordermedia

Hope this helps,
Greg Garner
PMP, MCDBA, MCSE

 

[Rock]

When I purchased my upgrade CD for Vista Ultimate, it came with a
flier that asked if I needed 32 bit vs 64 bit etc. It said you can get
info on ordering media from:

http://www.windowsvista.com/1033/ordermedia

An upgrade version is a retail version for which the offer applies. It
doesn't apply to OEM versions.